Extra-articular Scapular Fractures Research Articles

Three-Dimensional Mapping of Scapular Body, Neck, and Glenoid Fractures.

The purpose of this study was to report patterns of scapular fractures and define them with a contemporary methodology. . Retrospective study, 2015-2021. Single, academic, Level 1 trauma center. Consecutive patients ≥18 years, presenting with unilateral scapula fracture, with thin-slice (≤0.5-mm) bilateral computed tomography (CT) scans of the entirety of both the injured and uninjured scapulae. Thin-slice (0.5-mm) CT scans of injured and normal scapulae were obtained to create three-dimensional (3D) virtual models. 3D modeling software (Stryker Orthopedics Modeling and Analytics, Stryker Trauma GmbH, Kiel, Germany aka SOMA) was used to create a 3D map of fracture location and frequency. Fracture zones were delineated using anatomic landmarks to characterize fracture patterns. Eighty-seven patients were identified with 75 (86%) extra-articular and 12 (14%) intra-articular fractures. The dominant fracture pattern emanated from the superior lateral border (zone E) to an area inferior to the spinomedial angle (zone B) and was present in 80% of extra-articular fractures. A second-most common fracture line propagated from the primary (most-common) line toward the inferior medial scapular border with a frequency of 36%. Bare zones (with 1 or no fractures present) were identified in 4 unique areas. Furthermore, intra-articular fractures were found to be heterogenous. The 3D fracture map created in this study confirmed that extra-articular scapular fractures occur in certain patterns with a relatively high frequency. Results provide greater insight into scapular fracture locations and may help to study prognosis of injury and improve treatment strategy including operative approaches and surgical tactics.

Finite element analysis of titanium anatomic plate and titanium reconstructive plate for treatment of extra-articular fractures of the scapula

BackgroundDue to the lack of postoperative reporting outcomes and bio-mechanical studies, an optimal management of scapular fractures has not been well-established in clinical treatment, even though there are many options available. This study aimed to compare the stability of the new titanium anatomic and traditional titanium reconstructive plates for extra-articular scapular fractures through finite element analysis.MethodsTwo models of scapular assembly were constructed, including one anatomic plate (AP model) and one reconstructive plate (RP model). After meshing, material parameter, and boundary condition settings, we applied four loading conditions to simulate forces acting on the scapula and osteosynthesis material. To evaluate the bio-mechanical properties, the equivalent von Mises stress, equivalent elastic strain, and total deformation were investigated.ResultThe stress and strain distribution of model AP has better performance than model RP, with more uniform and lower values. The maximum stress value of the scapula in model AP is smaller than that of the scapula in model RP (102.83 MPa vs. 166.71 MPa). The maximum stress of the anatomic plate is half that of the reconstructive plate (218.34 MPa vs. 416.01 MPa). The maximum strain of the scapula in model AP is smaller than that of the scapula in model RP (0.0071 vs. 0.0106). The maximum strain of the anatomic plate is half that of the reconstructive plate (0.0019 vs. 0.0037). The maximum displacement of each model is all at the acromion, with a similar value (2.2947 mm vs. 1.8308 mm).ConclusionsWith sufficient bio-mechanical stability, the anatomic plate to support scapular fracture fragments was superior to that of the reconstructive plate.

Management of Extra-articular Scapular Fractures: A Narrative Review and Proposal of a Treatment Algorithm.

The management of scapular fractures can be either conservative or operative, but it is still unclear how to choose the treatment option. Scapular fractures can be classified anatomically into four types: scapular spine, scapular body, and scapular neck where the treatment is conservative most of the time except for certain indications that are specific to each one, and inferior angle of the scapula where the operative treatment yields the best results but conservative treatment can be contemplated in some cases.

A comparative analysis of titanium anatomic plate and titanium reconstructive plate for treatment of extra-articular fractures of the scapula (Miller types IIb, IIc, and IV).

Because of the irregular shape of the scapula and the different types of fractures, a standard internal fixation device is lacking in clinical practice, even though there are many options available. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy of titanium anatomic and reconstructive plates for extra-articular fractures of the scapula (Miller types IIb, IIc, and IV). A retrospective study of 41 patients who underwent treatment for extra-articular fractures of the scapula between March 2017 and March 2020 was conducted. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the fixation device: titanium anatomic plate group (20 patients) and titanium reconstructive plate group (21 patients). After follow-up for 12-18 months, the general characteristics, perioperative characteristics, postoperative follow-up findings, and imaging data of the 2 groups were compared. The surgical procedures were uneventful in both groups. The anatomic plate group significantly outperformed the reconstructive plate group with respect to surgical duration and intraoperative blood loss (P<.001). At 3-month postoperative follow-up, the Constant-Murley score (P=.026), shoulder flexion range of motion, and shoulder abduction range of motion in the anatomic plate group were all significantly better than those in the reconstructive plate group (P<.001). The postoperative Western Ontario Shoulder Instability scores of the 2 groups were similar. Imaging showed functional recovery and stable and reliable fixation in both groups. Time to bone union was similar in both groups (9.10±1.25 weeks in anatomic plate group and 9.24±1.41 weeks in reconstructive plate group, P=.742). No complications occurred in any patient, such as fixation failure, instability, or bone nonunion. Surgeons should favorably consider titanium anatomic plates for the treatment of extra-articular scapular fractures owing to their clear efficacy associated with a shorter surgical time, less intraoperative blood loss, better fixation, and rapid short-term functional recovery.

Surgical and non-operative management of displaced scapular fractures and long-term outcomes

Abstract Objective To compare the long-term functional outcome of surgically and non-operatively managed patients with displaced intra- and extra-articular scapular fractures. Methods This study included patients with intra- and extra-articular scapula fractures, treated between 2010 and 2020 in a Swiss level 1 trauma centre. The decision to operate was based on standardized criteria for fracture displacement. Patients with isolated Bankart lesions (Ideberg 1) and process fractures (AO type 14-A) were excluded. Primary outcomes were functional patient reported measures (DASH score) and quality of life (EQ5D score). Secondary outcomes were complications, radiological union, satisfaction with treatment, pain and range of motion. Results Out of 486 cases, 74 patients had displaced scapula fractures. Forty patients were treated surgically and 34 were treated conservatively. Significantly more patients with intra-articular fractures and high-energy trauma were treated surgically. Fifty percent returned the questionnaires after a mean follow-up of 47 months (± SD 36). The mean DASH score of this group was 12 (SD 15.6), with a mean of 14.7 (SD 15.9) in the surgery group and 9.8 (SD 14.6) in the non-operative group (p = 0.7). Multivariate analysis did not show statistically significant correlating factors. No significant differences in quality of life were observed. Patients rated their treatment with a mean of 8.6/10 (SD 1.8). Among surgically treated patients, 19 underwent a deltoid sparing procedure with significant shorter time to union than those that underwent deltoid release (23 vs. 49 weeks, p&amp;lt;0.01). Complications occurred in 3/28 surgically treated patients and all three required a reoperation. Conclusion Functional results after conservative and surgical treatment were similar, despite more complex fractures and more intra-articular fractures being treated surgically. Osteosynthesis of both intra- and extra-articular scapula fractures is safe and leads to good functional results, furthermore, new minimal invasive techniques may lead to faster bone healing and return to work and sports.

Comparative study of plating versus conservative treatment in mid shaft fractures of clavicle

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: Clavicle fractures represent up to 4% and 1% of all fractures, respectively. Historically, both fracture types have been treated conservatively with acceptable outcomes. The surgical correction of these fractures is currently being investigated as a viable alternative to conservative management.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods&lt;/strong&gt;: A systematic search of PubMed was performed to identify articles comparing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with conservative treatment for clavicular fractures. Specific outcomes of interest were shoulder function, pain, strength, range of motion, and risk of non-union. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: ORIF of midshaft clavicular fractures results in increased shoulder function within 6 weeks following treatment and a decreased risk of non-union. After 1 year, there was no longer a difference in shoulder function between groups. There was no difference in pain between treatment groups. Both ORIF and conservative treatment of extraarticular scapular fractures yield comparable results in shoulder function, range of motion, and strength following treatment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;: This study, early primary plate fixation of comminuted mid shaft clavicular fractures results in improved patient-oriented outcomes, improved surgeon-oriented outcomes, earlier return to function and decreased rates of non-union and malunion. &lt;/p&gt;

Functional Outcome of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Displaced Extra-Articular Scapula Fractures

Scapular fractures are uncommon injuries of upper extremity resulting mostly from high-energy trauma. Extra-articular fractures form the majority of them. Un-displaced fractures can be managed conservatively with good results. But displaced fracture does not yield satisfactory results and needs surgical fixation. In this case series, we report our experience about such fractures. This was a retrospective study of 12 patients with displaced scapular body and neck fractures treated between 2015 and 2018. Scapular fractures were exposed by modified Judet approach and fixed with either 3.5mm T buttress or recon locking plate and screws. One case had associated clavicle fracture which was fixed along with scapula. Patients were put on structured rehabilitation and followed up regularly. Functional outcome and range of motion were analyzed. The patients included 10 males and two females. Mean age was 42years. Average follow-up was 33months. Average constant and Murley score was 80. Excellent results were seen in four patients, good results in seven patients and one patient has got fair result. The mean post-operative range of motion of the shoulder at the time of final follow-up was 140° of forward flexion, 136° of abduction, and 34° of external rotation. Displaced extra-articular scapular fractures managed by internal fixation using T buttress locking plates and reconstruction plates give good functional outcome.

Scapular body fractures: Short-term results of surgical management with extended indications

IntroductionScapular body fractures represent less than 1% of all skeletal fractures. Operative criteria and risk factors for scapular fracture instability are well defined. Non-operative management of scapular body fractures show satisfactory results but with shortening and medialization of the scapular body. The aim of this study is to evaluate if surgical treatment will result in an improved quality of life and shoulder function compared to non-operative treatment on patients suffering from a scapular body fracture. Materials and MethodsFrom a total of 381 retrospectively identified scapular body fractures, we included 45 patients. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups: the surgical treatment (ST, n = 20) group and the non-operative treatment (NOT, n = 25) group. The Non-Union Scoring System (NUSS) was used to assess bone healing on radiographs. The functional evaluation of the two groups during the follow-up were performed using the Constant Shoulder Score (CSS) and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QuickDASH). Complications, reoperation rates, and time until bony union were also documented. The minimum follow-up for this study was designated as 12 months. ResultsThe ST group had better mean CSS and QuickDASH scores compared to the NOT group at 1, 3 and 6 months of follow-up. No statistically significant difference was detected at 12 months follow-up. ST group also demonstrated improved results in time until bone union, reduction of rehabilitation time, complications and return to work rates. ConclusionThis study suggests that surgical treatment for extraarticular scapular fractures can achieve better short-term functional outcomes (3 to 6 months) compared to conservative treatment.

Concomitant Intra-Articular Glenohumeral Lesions in Fractures of the Scapula Body.

Background: Scapula body fractures are rare injuries with an incidence of 1% of all fractures accounting for 3% to 5% of all upper extremity fractures. Fractures of the scapula commonly result from high-energetic trauma and fall from great height. While several studies focused on concomitant injuries of chest and head as well as the cervical spine, up to now in the common literature, no study exists analyzing the prevalence of concomitant intra-articular glenohumeral injury following extra-articular scapular fracture. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of concomitant intra-articular glenohumeral injuries in acute fractures of the scapula by performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder joint. Study Design and Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed at our academic Level I trauma center from November 2014 to October 2016. According to our clinical algorithm, all patients suffering from an acute scapula body fracture primarily underwent computed tomography (CT) for assigning the fracture according to the Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA)-classification and therapy planning. In addition, 3 T MRI-scans of all patients were performed within seven days after trauma. Results: Twenty-one (16 male/5 female, mean age 53 years (25–83 y) patients with scapula body fractures (OTA 14.A3.2 80.1%, OTA 14.A3.1 4.8%, OTA14.B3.1 4.8%, OTA14.C3 9.5%) were enrolled. MRI revealed 11 acute intra-articular injuries in 8 of 21 patients (38%). In all 21 patients, hematoma of the rotator cuff and periarticular muscles was present. Three patients (14.3%) presented a partial bursa sided tear of the supraspinatus tendon, whereas in 5 (23.8%), a partial articular sided supraspinatus tendon tear and in 2 (9.5%) patients, a subtotal tear was observed. One patient (4.8%) showed a complete transmural supraspinatus tendon tear. Conclusions: Traumatic concomitant glenohumeral injuries in scapula body fractures seem to be more frequent than generally expected. Subsequent surgical treatment of these formerly missed but therapy-relevant injuries may increase functional outcome and reduce the postoperative complication rate following scapula body fractures.

Long-term Functional Outcomes of Nonoperatively Treated Highly Displaced Scapular Body and Neck Fractures.

Historically, extra-articular scapular body fractures were treated nonsurgically, but displaced fractures of the glenoid neck can lead to dysfunction. Controversy exists regarding which extra-articular scapular fractures should be treated surgically; however, nonsurgical management of severely displaced scapular body fractures can result in satisfactory outcomes. Inclusion criteria for this study were medial or lateral displacement greater than 2 cm, angular deformity between fracture fragments greater than 45°, or glenopolar angle less than 22°. Functional outcomes included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Short Form-36 (SF-36) score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score. Radiographs and computed tomography scans were available for all patients. Range of motion (ROM), strength, other injuries, and complications also were recorded. Twelve patients (10 males, 2 females) with a mean age of 45.6 years (range, 29-57 years) underwent follow-up for a mean of 54.1 months (range, 28.2-74.4 months). At latest follow-up, mean DASH score was 8.9 (range, 0-35), mean SF-36 score was 72.2 (range, 57.3-96.1), and mean ASES score was 85.9 (range, 46.7-100). Mean ROM and strength expressed as a percentage of the contralateral side ranged from 88% to 99% and 70% to 93%, respectively. At longest follow-up, 10 patients reported excellent satisfaction with their treatment. There were no radiographic non-unions. One patient with concomitant clavicle and acromion fractures treated surgically had a postoperative infection requiring operative irrigation and debridement. None of the patients required or sought additional treatment. Nonoperative treatment of highly displaced scapular body fractures resulted in good patient satisfaction, satisfactory long-term functional outcomes, and only minor loss of motion and strength. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(3):e177-e181.].

Outcomes following extra-articular fractures of the scapula: A systematic review

BackgroundScapular neck and body fractures are typically treated nonoperatively, with operative treatment traditionally focused on intraarticular fractures or double disruptions of the shoulder suspensory complex. The objective of this study was to systematically examine and compile the existing literature in regard to operative and conservative treatment of extraarticular fractures of the scapula. MethodsA comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to find outcome data on fractures of the scapular neck and body. All studies from 1988 to 2018 that met inclusion criteria were reviewed independently and graded based on the modified Coleman Methodology Score. Outcomes of interest were compiled and analyzed for adjusted means. Results42 manuscripts with a total of 669 patients were included for analysis from an initial search of 335 results. There was an average age of 41.2 years, 78.1% were male, 98.8% had a blunt force mechanism, and 66.7% had other injures outside the scapula at time of presentation. In total, there were 120 patients with scapular body fractures, 95 with scapular neck fractures, 130 with floating shoulder injuries including a scapular neck or body fracture, and 324 with an unspecified extraarticular scapular fracture. 464 patients were treated operatively, with a mean union rate of 99.4%, Constant score of 84.4, and end forward elevation of 158°. 205 total patients were treated non-operatively, with a mean union rate of 85.1%, Constant score of 79.0, and end forward elevation of 153°. ConclusionPatients with extraarticular fractures of the scapula have excellent outcomes following either nonoperative or operative management. There is a need for high quality comparative studies to determine the optimal treatment strategy for these injuries.

Five to Ten-Year Outcomes of Operatively Treated Scapular Fractures.

The purpose of this study was to assess the 5 to 10-year clinical and patient-reported functional outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of intra-articular and extra-articular scapular fractures. We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on 106 patients who underwent ORIF of a scapular fracture at a single level-I trauma center between January 2005 and December 2010. Eight patients were excluded from the study because they had either severe neurologic injury or an isolated process fracture, and 66 patients (37 with an isolated extra-articular fracture and 29 with an intra-articular fracture) participated in the 5 to 10-year follow-up, yielding a follow-up rate of 67%. A physical examination including a strength assessment and range-of-motion measurements was performed on 89% of the follow-up cohort. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short Form-12 version 2 (SF-12v2) or SF-36v2 questionnaires were completed by all participating patients. Intra-articular and extra-articular fractures were analyzed in separate groups. The mean follow-up was 7.8 years in the extra-articular group and 7.3 years in the intra-articular group, with a range of 4.7 to 10.3 years. The mean DASH score was 8.9 in the extra-articular group and 9.1 in the intra-articular group (normal population = 10.1). Strength examination revealed no significant differences between the injured and uninjured shoulders for any movement (p > 0.05), while the range of external rotation was slightly decreased in both the extra-articular (p = 0.01) and the intra-articular (p = 0.01) group. The abduction range of motion was also slightly decreased in the intra-articular cohort (p = 0.03). Arthroplasty was indicated as a subsequent procedure for 2 patients in the intra-articular cohort. Sixty-one of the 66 patients returned to their original occupation or changed occupations for reasons unrelated to the shoulder injury. At 5 to 10 years after ORIF of a scapular fracture, patients have excellent functional outcomes albeit with a small decrease in external rotation motion relative to the contralateral, normal shoulder. Interestingly, we found the outcomes after intra-articular and extra-articular fractures to be comparable. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Functional Outcomes After Operative Management of Extra-Articular Glenoid Neck and Scapular Body Fractures

This study's purpose was to assess patient-based functional outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced scapular body and glenoid neck fractures. This series represents a 9-year experience at a level-I trauma center and referral destination for this injury. A database was established to record surgical and functional outcomes of scapular fractures treated with ORIF. For this report, the cases of all patients who had a glenoid neck or scapular body fracture (AO/OTA 14-A3 or 14-C1) without intra-articular involvement were reviewed. Operative indications included medial/lateral displacement of ≥20 mm, angulation of ≥45°, medial/lateral displacement of ≥15 mm with angulation of ≥30°, double disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex with both displaced ≥10 mm, a glenopolar angle of ≤22°, and an open fracture. The results of clinical testing, including measurements of range of motion and strength and scores on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires, were recorded at each follow-up appointment. Between 2002 and 2011, 61 patients with an extra-articular scapular fracture were treated surgically within 20 days after the injury; 19 patients (31%) had ≥2 operative indications. Of the 61 patients, 49 (80%) were followed for ≥1 year (mean, 33 months; range, 12 to 138 months) following surgery. There was a 100% union rate at the time of final follow-up, with a mean DASH score of 12.1 points (range, 0 to 54 points). For all parameters, the mean SF-36 scores of the study patients were comparable with normative population scores. The range of motion of the operatively treated and contralateral shoulders averaged, respectively, 154° and 159° of forward flexion, 106° and 108° of abduction, and 66° and 70° of external rotation. The strength of the operatively treated and contralateral shoulders averaged, respectively, 20 and 23 lb (89.0 and 102.3 N) of force in forward flexion, 14 and 16 lb (62.3 and 71.2 N) in abduction, and 19 and 23 lb (84.5 and 102.3 N) in external rotation. Complications and/or secondary surgery were recorded for 8 patients (16%). Displaced scapular body and glenoid neck fractures that meet current published standards for ORIF can be treated operatively with predictably good functional outcomes. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A Reliable Radiographic Measurement Technique for Extra-articular Scapular Fractures

Currently, neither well-defined nor standardized measurement techniques exist for assessing deformity of extra-articular scapular fractures. To properly evaluate these injuries, compare observations across studies, and make clinical decisions, a validated measurement protocol for evaluating scapular fractures is needed. We describe techniques to quantitatively characterize extra-articular scapular fracture deformity; evaluate the reliability of these characterizations in plain film radiographs and CT scans; and determine potential differences in the characterization of the deformity between the two imaging modalities. We evaluated injury radiographs and three-dimensional CT images of 45 patients with extra-articular scapular fracture. Techniques for measuring medial/lateral displacement, angulation, translation, glenopolar angle, and glenoid version were established and utilized in two trials, performed 6weeks apart, by three observers. We determined descriptive statistics for each measurement parameter. Interobserver reliability based upon interclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.36 to 0.76 for radiographs and from 0.48 to 0.87 for three-dimensional CT. Intraobserver reliability using Pearson r coefficient ranged from 0.60 to 0.75 for radiographs and 0.64 to 0.89 for three-dimensional CT. Both individual and pooled measurements for angulation and glenopolar angle were higher on three-dimensional CT versus radiographs. Our data suggest three-dimensional CT is more reliable than plain radiography in the assessment of scapula fracture displacement. Therefore, we believe this modality should be utilized if fracture deformity warrants surgical consideration and to adequately compare data across studies. Level IV, diagnostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Failure of internal fixation of the clavicle in the treatment of ipsilateral clavicle and glenoid neck fractures

Scapular neck and body fractures are typically treated nonoperatively, with operative treatment traditionally focused on intraarticular fractures or double disruptions of the shoulder suspensory complex. The objective of this study was to systematically examine and compile the existing literature in regard to operative and conservative treatment of extraarticular fractures of the scapula.A comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to find outcome data on fractures of the scapular neck and body. All studies from 1988 to 2018 that met inclusion criteria were reviewed independently and graded based on the modified Coleman Methodology Score. Outcomes of interest were compiled and analyzed for adjusted means.42 manuscripts with a total of 669 patients were included for analysis from an initial search of 335 results. There was an average age of 41.2 years, 78.1% were male, 98.8% had a blunt force mechanism, and 66.7% had other injures outside the scapula at time of presentation. In total, there were 120 patients with scapular body fractures, 95 with scapular neck fractures, 130 with floating shoulder injuries including a scapular neck or body fracture, and 324 with an unspecified extraarticular scapular fracture. 464 patients were treated operatively, with a mean union rate of 99.4%, Constant score of 84.4, and end forward elevation of 158°. 205 total patients were treated non-operatively, with a mean union rate of 85.1%, Constant score of 79.0, and end forward elevation of 153°.Patients with extraarticular fractures of the scapula have excellent outcomes following either nonoperative or operative management. There is a need for high quality comparative studies to determine the optimal treatment strategy for these injuries.

Missed Scapular Fracture After Trauma

Scapular fractures are important in that they are often associated with high morbidity and mortality. Frequently they are overlooked because of the severity of other associated injuries. Extraarticular scapular fractures are often treated conservatively, even when displaced. There is no significant long-term evaluation on this type of treatment and on the management of scapular malunion. This case report presents a missed scapular fracture and associated rib fractures with subsequent malunion and a 23-year follow-up assessment. Surgical resection of a distorted inferior medial border of the scapula and dorsal rib prominences relieved the patient's symptoms. The case presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment, and possible long-term sequelae of this complex fracture are reviewed.